Car Maker BMW has recently announced its plan to expand a May 2016 recall of SUVs to include 121,737 SUVs with a defective driveshaft. The recall includes X5 and X6 vehicles from model years 2011-2015. Based on the documents that were filed with the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), debris and water may penetrate the universal joint of the front driveshaft, leading to excessive wear and failure of the joint. What this means is that the front wheels of the vehicle won’t receive torque, thereby turning the SUV into a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
How did BMW find out?
BMW has issued a warning stating that owners who continue to drive their vehicle could put themselves at risk of a crash. A broken front universal joint can damage other vehicle components. The defect may, in some cases, cause the SUV to not drive at all.
In BMW’s filing with the NHTSA, it was stated that the decision to expand the recall was made after they noticed a surge in the number of warranty claims involving components close to the driveshaft.
Reviews conducted by engineers found that the sealing systems of the front driveshaft were not made to specification. So far, the car manufacturer is not aware of any injuries or crashes associated to the recall. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified beginning in April 2017 and those who receive the notice should take their vehicles to a dealership so that the front driveshaft will be replaced at no cost.
Can a Personal Injury Lawyer in San Diego help?
If your vehicle is affected by the recall, you need to respond promptly and take your SUV to the dealership. You will have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is not endangering you or your passengers.
If you or a family member has been injured because of a defective vehicle or its components, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or automaker and seek compensation for damages. A class action lawsuit seeking compensation is also possible. Let an experienced auto defect attorney advise you on how your rights can be protected and what legal options are available. At Personal Injury Lawyers San Diego, we specialize in these types of cases. Call us for a free consultation.
Personal Injury Lawyers San Diego
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